Motorists drive too fast for conditions over weekend; 27 crashes reported in region

Minnesota State Troopers had an active weekend with weather related road activity.

Troopers in the northwest and west-central regions responded to approximately 27 crashes this past weekend, six of those resulting in injuries. Troopers also responded to an additional 42 vehicles that had slid off the road requiring tow assistance.

“With the obvious amount of snow we received, motorists were driving way too fast for the conditions throughout the entire weekend," said Sergeant Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol. "Overall this winter has been fairly mild on our highways, but motorists need to focus on driving and keep good winter driving habits in mind all the times. Safety does not take a break from anyone.”

One of the crashes involving injuries occurred on Interstate 94 near Rothsay on Sunday, January 22 just before noon. Rothsay Fire and Rescue was assisting the Minnesota State Patrol on another injury crash, when a vehicle lost control and ran off the road striking an unoccupied fire truck.

The vehicle was driven by Luke Niekamp, 27 years of age, Fargo, who was not injured. His passenger, Jennifer Niekamp, 33 years of age, Fargo, was injured with non-life threatening injuries.

The fire truck received severe damage and it is unknown if and when it will be operable.

Several Rothsay Fire and Rescue members were within close proximity when the truck was hit, fortunately they were not.

“This is a reminder for motorists to slow down and move over anytime they see flashing emergency lights parked on the side of the road," Grabow said. "Not only is it the law, but should be good common courtesy. If you are only applying your brakes when you are alongside the emergency vehicle, you are doing it wrong and much too late. You need to pay attention and slow down, brake early, brake light. These kinds of crashes are very preventable if people choose to be responsible.”

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